 Friday, March 7, 2025
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If someone gets bit by an animal in Jefferson County, what do they do?
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If you are bit by an animal, please seek medical treatment right away. The wound should be examined for any treatment needed and the person screened for possible rabies exposure.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a fatal but preventable virus that can spread to people and animals if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system causing disease in the brain which results in death, if not treated. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, avoiding wildlife, and seeking medical care after a potential exposure.
Are animal bites reported to the health department?
Healthcare providers must report animal bites to their local health department within 12 hours of the initial professional evaluation. Almost all of our bite reports come from healthcare or Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS). About 1% of the population reports their own dog bite to us.
What does the health department do when an animal bite is reported?
We will order the owner of the animal to quarantine it for 10 days, even if it has been vaccinated against rabies. Any animal that has bitten must be microchipped under Louisville Metro Ordinance 91.072.
What is an owner’s responsibility if their animal bites someone?
The owner is responsible for quarantining their animal for 10 days. That means the owner must securely confine the animal to their premises, away from people, either inside the home, in a totally enclosed pen inside a fenced yard, or at a veterinarian. Quarantining the animal allows it to be observed for the onset of possible rabies symptoms. Most importantly, it keeps the animal from exposing other animals or people to rabies.
Animal owners are also responsible for making sure their animal is licensed and vaccinated. In Jefferson County, all dogs, cats and ferrets are required by law to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. For more information on local pet laws, licensing, fostering, and adoption visit Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS)
If bite victims would like to file a formal complaint against a dog owner, please contact LMAS or call (502) 473-7387 to leave a message.
Can the health department order an animal be euthanized?
The health department doesn’t confiscate animals or have them put down. Our main responsibility is to ensure that people are protected from rabies. If an animal owner refuses to cooperate with the request to quarantine the animal, we will refer them to LMAS for follow up and enforcement actions.
Do we automatically recommend someone get the rabies vaccine series if they have been bitten by an animal?
No. We only recommend that someone receive rabies post-exposure treatment if the animal cannot be observed for the 10-day quarantine or tested for rabies.
How many animal bites are reported to the health department each year?
- 2019: 1168
- 2020: 998
- 2021: 1015
- 2022: 1131
- 2023: 1006
- 2024: 1144
On average, how many animals test positive for rabies?
Bats are the most common animal that test positive for rabies in Jefferson County. Animals that are NOT a rabies risk in Kentucky: hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, rats, reptiles, and mice.
- 2019: 4 bats
- 2020: 2 bats, 1 dog
- 2021: 5 bats
- 2022: 3 bats
- 2023: 2 bats
- 2024: 3 bats
For information about rabies, please visit our webpage.
Mental Health Lou is hosting
Mind Body Wellness Series
at Shively Library
 Mental Health Lou has launched its four-part series, Mind-Body Wellness, and there’s still time to participate in the upcoming event on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shively Library, 3920 Dixie Hwy. This series will continue until March 25. Participants will discover techniques to recognize and connect their feelings, thoughts, and physical responses, along with tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
Join the session "Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Building Resilience & Wellness" to learn how you can adopt a "growth mindset" and transform your mental health and overall well-being.
Upcoming mental health topics include "Digital Detox: Reclaiming Focus and Mental Space" and "The Art of Self-Compassion: Reframing Inner Narratives."
The series is also being held at Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place, every Wednesday through March at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, please visit Mental Health Lou's website.
UofL's free health clinic open
at Iroquois Family Health Center
 Enlarge graphic for details
Adults and children are welcome to visit the University of Louisville's free health clinic at 6 p.m. on March 10 and March 17 at the Iroquois Family Health Center, 4100 Taylor Blvd. Health insurance is not required, and no appointments are needed; walk-ins are welcome. Spanish interpretation services will be provided.
Doctors and medical students from the UofL's School of Medicine can treat participants for various common illnesses.
Explore a future with Louisville Metro Government
 Louisville Metro Government invites job seekers to an exciting career event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, at Louisville Slugger Field, 501 E. Main St.
Be sure to explore a variety of career opportunities, attractive benefits and an environment that fosters growth and innovation. Don’t miss out on the chance to find out how a career in public service can truly make an impact.
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